Goji berries & Goji berry juice: Antioxidant rich

According to legend, the Goji Berry was found accidentally against a wall outside a famous Buddhist temple. Over time, hundreds of berries fell into a nearby well and those who drank from it were granted great health. The Goji [go-gee] berry, although new to us, has been a staple in Chinese cultures for thousands of years. Asian cultures have long been privy to the powers of this exotic fruit's many healing powers.

What are the health benefits?

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are the powerhouse of this exotic fruit. Responsible for controlling the body's defense system, the goji berry's four special polysaccharides help to fortify the immune system.

What are polysaccharides?

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made from simple sugars molecules (monosaccharides) linked with glycocidic bonds. Most importantly, polysaccharides are insoluble and store energy as in starch of glycogen and also in cellulose found in the cell wall of plants.

Potent Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a necessary antioxidant. Daily recommended dosage is 90 milligrams a day. Goji berries contain more vitamin C than oranges with 2500 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit.

Antioxidant rich

Goji contains more beta carotene than carrots, an antioxidant which protects the body from free radicals. The goji has more carotenoids than any other fruit or vegetable and also contains zeaxanthin which is great for eye support.

Amino Acids

Known as the building blocks for protein, the goji berry contains 19 amino acids. Our bodies rely heavily on amino acids to maintain good health. Amino acids are also essential in preventing high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

What do they taste like?

Goji berries are a bit of a cross between a raisin, cranberry and a cherry with a tangy sweet and sour taste to them. They are more like cranberries in there consistency but firmer and drier than its counterpart.

What about the cost?

The cost of goji berries online are approximately $30+ for about 18 ounces of berries or $35+ for a liter of goji juice. You can find them at various organic retailers and online. If there is an Asian market in your area, you may be able to get your hands on them for a considerably lower price. Wholesaler retailers like Costco and others offer goji supplements and juice quite economically as well.

What should I look for when buying goji?

The old saying "the darker the berry the sweeter the juice" reigns true for the goji so it seems. Berries with a lighter color usually undergo a chemical treatment as they are dried in a different way. Also remember when buying goji, berries from the Ningxia province are considered superior to all other goji.

How do I prepare goji?

Goji is eaten as a snack much like raisins or nuts. Goji juice is anhowever, there are other quick ways of adding goji to your diet.

• Tea-Boil 8 ounces of water and add about 20 goji to the cup. Let steam/soak for 5 minutes. Enjoy. Eat the berries at the bottom of cup.
• Add to soups, stews.
• Add to water bottles and drink throughout the day
• Add to trailmix
• Mix berries/juice into your favorite smoothie recipe

The overall benefits of the goji berry are immeasurable, from looking and feeling better, to preventing cancer goji berries are the treasured staple of cultures past and are fast becoming an essential for those who seek the best and newest way of achieving an optimal lifestyle.

Here are just a few of the potential benefits you may experience by adding goji berries to your diet:

• Looking and Feeling Better
• Longer Lifespan
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Increase Energy and Strength
• Prevent Cancer
• Maintain Healthy Cholesterol levels
• Manage Blood Sugar and Diabetes
• Increase Libido/Sexual Function
• Lose Weight
• Relieve Headaches and Dizziness
• Improved Vision

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